WELSH language supporters have held a protest in the centre of Llandeilo dressed as cartoon characters to express their anger at a report by local planners concerning a controversial new housing development near Ammanford.

Members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith held a sit-in at the office of J Evans Planning Ltd following their publication of a study on the impact of a massive housing developmentat between Saron and Penybanc by Swallow Property Development Ltd that concluded: "The proposed development will have a positive impact on the Welsh language and its future Saron ward, and the surrounding area."

This was in stark contrast to the conclusion of another study carried out on behalf of Carmarthenshire county council which concluded that the development impact on local Welsh culture.

Yesterday afternoon, Cymdeithas supporters, some dressed as Walt Disney characters, put posters in the window of the office in Llandeilo with the words: "Mickey Mouse Language Assesments available here."

Sioned Elin, Carmarthenshire Chair of Cymdeithas, said: "The conclusion that almost 300 new homes will not have a detrimental impact on the Welsh language is ridiculous and indeed is worthy of Mickey Mouse.

"This shows again the need for independent assessments of the impact of such planning applications. Solidarity is needed from local people to successfully oppose such destructive applications and we are protesting against a local company that has sought to undermine this solidarity."

Jason Evans, of J Evans Planning Ltd, said he had been absent from the office during the protest and was unsure precisely what points Cymdeithas were making.

"The language impact assessment we carried out was accepted in principal by the Welsh Language Board and by Carmarthenshire county council's planning committee," he added.